Apparatus and Method For Generating Water From an Air Stream

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for generating water from an air stream is disclosed. The apparatus has an inlet for receiving an air stream, a condensing element located in the air stream, a collector for gathering water vapor condensate that is formed on the condensing element when the condensing element temperature drops below the dew point temperature of the ambient air stream, and an ozone generator that precisely generates ozone required to disinfect the water vapor condensate. In some embodiments of the invention, the ozone is also added to the air stream for disinfecting the air stream and associated elements of the apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/814,884 filed on Jun. 20,2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to generating water from water vapor inambient air, and more particularly to an apparatus and method forgenerating water from water vapor in ambient air using an ozonegenerator for disinfection.

2. Description of Related Art

Water may be generated from ambient air by condensing water vapor. Ingeneral, ambient air may contain contaminants, including particulatematter, moulds, spores, mites, volatile organic compounds, and othersuch contaminants. If these contaminants are not removed from the air orthe generated water, the resulting water product that has been generatedfrom ambient air may be contaminated.

One particular challenge in operating any practical water generationsystem is to combat the growth of biological contaminants that may nothave been removed by filtering or other treatment processes. Inparticular, some water generation systems suffer from formation of blackmould in water reservoirs and tubing.

In highly developed countries, the quality of drinking water has becomeof increasing concern to the population, and there is a demand for highquality potable water that is free of contaminants and other impurities.

In less developed countries, the water supply is often rudimentary oreven non-existent and diseases are commonly spread through contaminateddrinking water.

Accordingly, there remains a need for water generation system thatgenerates a potable water product that is substantially free ofcontaminants.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatusfor generating water from an air stream, the apparatus comprising aninlet for receiving an air stream, a condensing element located in theair stream, the condensing element capable of reaching a temperaturethat is less than or equal to a dew point temperature of the air stream,a collector for gathering water vapor condensate that forms on thecondensing element, an ozone generator that uses a portion of the watervapor condensate to generate ozone, and a reservoir for mixing thegenerated ozone with the water vapor condensate. In some embodiments ofthe invention, the ozone is also added to the air stream fordisinfecting the air stream and associated elements of the apparatus.

The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of introduction, and isnot intended to limit the scope of the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings,in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for generating water inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for generating water inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view of a re-humidifier element foruse in the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a top cross sectional view of the re-humidifier element takenalong the line 3B-3B as shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a PEM cell for use in the apparatusof FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a controller for use with theapparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for generating water inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a humidifier element for use in theapparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an ozonation/ionization electrode foruse in the apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8B is a graph of a high voltage waveform for driving theozonation/ionization electrode shown in FIG. 8A; and

FIG. 9 is a partially cut away perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of a humidifier element for use in the apparatus of FIG. 6.

The present invention will be described in connection with a preferredembodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent tolimit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, theintent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents asmay be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby this specification and the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been usedthroughout to designate identical elements.

Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 12 for generating water from an airstream is depicted. The apparatus 12 includes a condensing element 14located in proximity to the air stream 10. The condensing element may bea refrigeration component that uses the thermodynamic process ofcompression and expansion of a coolant. Such condensing elements arecommon in modern day refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, andthe like. The condensing element 14 is operated such that the condensingelement temperature is less than or equal to a dew point temperature ofthe air stream 10. This technique causes moisture to be removed from theair stream 10.

The apparatus 12 also includes a collector 16 in communication with thecondensing element 14. The collector 16 is configured below thecondensing element 14 such that it will collect water vapor condensatefrom the condensing element 14. The collector may be made from aplastic, a metal, fiberglass, or another material that would be apparentto those skilled in the art.

The apparatus 12 further includes a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM)cell 18. A polymer electrolyte membrane cell is an electrochemicaldevice, generally termed a fuel cell. The device typically uses hydrogenas fuel in the presence of a platinum catalyst to generate electricity.PEM cells may also be used in reverse from the norm, breaking water intoconstituent components when electricity is applied to the PEM cell. Sucha process may be used in the present invention to generate ozone. Inoperation, the PEM cell 18 receives at least a portion of the condensatewater from the collector 16 generates ozone from the condensate water ata first outlet 20. A first portion of the generated ozone becomesentrained in the condensate and disinfects the condensate.

The apparatus 12 may further includes a vent 22, located in proximity tothe air stream 10 and upstream from the condensing element 14. The vent22 in operation receives a second portion of the ozone generated in thePEM cell 18. The ozone mixes with the air stream 10 to treat the airstream and to prevent biological contamination of the apparatus 12.

In one embodiment the apparatus 12 also includes a first reservoir 30having a first opening 32, located at a low point in the firstreservoir. The first opening 32 is in communication with the firstoutlet 20 of the PEM cell 18 through a water supply line 24 forreceiving treated condensate. The treated condensate includes water(H₂O), oxygen (O₂) and ozone (O₃). The first reservoir 30 receives thetreated water condensate, which mixes with and treats the condensate inthe first reservoir. The outlet 20 of the PEM cell is also incommunication with the vent 22, and a second portion of gaseous ozonefrom the outlet of the PEM cell, which is not entrained in thecondensate, is received at the vent 22 and is operable to treat the airstream 10 and prevent biological growth in the apparatus.

The first reservoir 30 may further include a spigot 34 for dispensingwater from the first reservoir. In some embodiments the first reservoir30 may also include a heater/cooler element 36. In some embodiments theelement 36 may be configured to cool the condensate in the firstreservoir 30, before dispensing as potable water through the spigot 34.In other embodiments the element 36 may be configured to heat thecondensate or alternatively, a second element 36 may be provided, suchthat the apparatus 12 is capable of dispensing both cooled and heatedcondensate.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an apparatus for generating water from anambient air stream 10 in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention 60 is shown. The apparatus 60 includes a de-humidifier62, a collector 63, a first reservoir 64, a condensate conditioner 66, asecond reservoir 68, and a PEM cell 18.

The de-humidifier 62 includes an air stream inlet 70 for receiving theair stream 10, a filtration section 72, a dehumidification chamber 74,and an air outlet 76. The air inlet 70 is in communication with thefiltration section 72, and includes a temperature sensor for producing asignal representing the temperature of the incoming air stream.

In this embodiment the filtration section 72 includes a plurality ofparticulate filtration stages 80. A first filtration stage 82 mayinclude, for example, a polyethylene mesh filter media for removinginsects, mites, etc from the incoming air stream 10. A second filtrationstage 84 may include a polycarbonate or polyethylene mesh filter media,which is effective at removing hair, for example. A third filtrationstage 86 may include, for example, a 20 um to 50 um polyester spun fibermesh filter media, which is effective in removing smoke, pollen, dust,and some spores from the air stream. The particulate filtration stage 80may further include a filtration stage 88, including, for example, a 1um-15 um filtration element for removing minute spores and other smallairborne contaminants from the incoming air stream. The particulatefiltration stage 80 may include further filtration media 90-94,depending on the contaminants present in the air stream where theapparatus 60 is to be operated. While a plurality of filters are shown,a subset of these or similar types of filters may be used depending onthe quality of the air received at the air inlet 70. In some embodimentsof the present invention the filtration section 72 further includes anelectrostatic precipitator filter 96, which imparts a negative charge toairborne particulate matter in the air stream emanating from thefiltration stages 80, causing the particulate matter to become ionized.The electrostatic precipitator filter includes positively charged plates(or ground potential plates (not shown)), to which the ionized particlesare attracted, and thus removed from the air stream. The filtrationsection 72, in some embodiments of the present invention, furtherincludes a volatile organic compound (VOC) filtration element 98, whichtypically includes a carbon impregnated foam filtration media forremoving the volatile organic compounds from the incoming air stream 10.

The dehumidification chamber 74 includes the condensing element 14 asalso shown in FIG. 1, and further includes a heat pump 100 that coolsthe condensing element. The heat pump 100 includes a condenser coil 104and an evaporator coil, which in FIG. 2 is depicted as the condensingelement 14. The evaporator coil and the condenser coil 104 are incommunication with a compressor 106. In operation the heat pump 100cools the condensing element 14 through evaporation of refrigerant inthe heat pump 100, while the condenser coil 104 is heated. The term“condensing element” is used to refer to an element that may be cooledto facilitate condensation of water vapor thereon.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the condensing element 14be cooled by other means, such as, for example, a Peltier coolingdevice.

The dehumidification chamber 74 further includes a fan 110 for drawingan air stream into the air inlet 70, through the filtration section 72,through the de-humidifier chamber 74, and discharging the air streamthrough the air outlet 76. In the embodiment shown, the air outlet 76includes a plurality of louvered vanes 112 which are outwardly deflectedby the passage of the discharge air stream 78 through the air outlet 76,and which close under gravitational forces when the fan 110 isdeactivated, thus sealing off the air outlet 76.

The de-humidifier 62 further includes an ozone sensor 114 locatedproximate to the air outlet 76 for sensing an ozone level proximate tothe air outlet 76 of the de-humidification chamber 74.

In this embodiment the de-humidifier 62 further includes an ionizationelectrode 120, and a high voltage power supply 123. The high voltagepower supply 123 generates a negative voltage of about 10 kilovolts atthe ionization electrode, which functions to generate excess electronsat the ionization electrode 120. The excess electrons mix with the airstream flowing through the de-humidifier 62.

The de-humidifier 62 further includes an ozone vent 124 which is locatedupstream of the condensing element 14, and is operable to introduceozone into the air stream for reducing biological contaminants andinhibiting growth of same in the de-humidification chamber 74.

The collector 63 is in communication with the first reservoir 64 and thecondensing element 14, and receives condensed water vapor extracted fromthe air stream and directs the condensate to the first reservoir 64. Thefirst reservoir 64 has a first outlet 118. The apparatus 60 furtherincludes a pump 121, which is in communication with the first outlet 118to pump condensate from the first reservoir to the condensateconditioner 66.

The condensate conditioner 66 includes a plurality of water conditioningstages. A first water conditioning stage 122 includes a porous ceramicfiltration element for removing particulate matter from the condensatereceived from the pump 121. A second water conditioning stage 119includes an activated carbon block filter for removing contaminants suchas volatile organic compounds not removed by the volatile organiccompound filtration element 98, from the condensate. A third waterconditioning stage 126 may include, in some embodiments of the presentinvention, re-mineralizing elements such as crushed quartz, granite,anthracite, sand, and the like, which are used to re-mineralize thecondensate. A fourth water conditioning stage 128 may include a fibermesh filter, which inhibits particulates from the re-mineralizationelement from being introduced into the condensate.

After being conditioned by the condensate conditioner 66, the condensateis received at an inlet 134 of the second reservoir 68. The secondreservoir 68 includes the heater/cooler element 36 and the spigot 34 fordispensing heated and/or cooled potable water to a user.

The first reservoir 64 also includes a second outlet 140 and the PEMcell 18 includes first and second inlets 142 and 146 in communicationwith the first outlet for receiving a portion of the condensate from thefirst reservoir 64. As described above, the PEM cell 18 generates water,oxygen, and ozone at the first outlet 20. The PEM cell 18 also includesa second outlet 148, at which the hydrogen (H₂), water, and hydroniumions (H₃O+) are produced. The second outlet 148 of the PEM cell 18 is incommunication with the re-humidifier 116 at which water, hydrogen andhydronium are introduced into the air stream.

Advancing to FIG. 4, the PEM cell 18 is shown in greater detail. The PEMcell 18 includes a housing 300, a cathode water cavity 302 and an anodewater cavity 304. The cathode water cavity 302 includes a water inlet306, and the anode water cavity 304 includes a water inlet 308, bothwater inlets being located at a lower end of the housing 300. Thecathode water cavity 302 and the anode water cavity 304 are separated byan ion-exchange membrane 310, which acts as a solid electrolyte in thePEM cell 18. The ion-exchange membrane is contacted by catalysts 312 and314. The PEM cell 18 further includes a cathode electrode 316 and ananode electrode 318. The catalysts 312 and 314 are chosen to enhance theformation of oxygen and ozone at the anode 318 while also inhibitingreformation of ozone molecules into diatomic oxygen.

The PEM cell 18 further includes a first outlet 20 in communication withthe anode water cavity 304 and a second outlet 148 in communication withthe cathode water cavity 302.

Water is supplied to the PEM cell 18 at the first and second inlets 306and 308 and flows through the cell to the first and second outlets 20and 148. When an external DC excitation current is applied between theanode 318 and the cathode 316, a portion of the water at the anode isdissociated into oxygen, ozone, and hydrogen ions. Generation of ozoneis enhanced by choosing a catalyst 312 for the anode side that causesthe anode 318 to have a high overpotential, thus stimulating a morevigorous dissociation of the water.

The hydrogen ions are able to selectively move through the ion-exchangemembrane 310 to the cathode water cavity 302, where some of the hydrogenions combine with electrons provided by the external DC current to formhydrogen gas. The remaining hydrogen ions (H+) form hydronium (H3O+),which causes the water leaving the second outlet to be acidic.

The water leaving the first outlet 20 includes ozone and oxygenentrained in the water. Advantageously, since the ozone is formeddirectly in the water, a significant portion of the ozone is dissolvedin the water leaving the first outlet 20.

Ozone is effective in treating water by killing biological contaminantssuch as bacteria. Furthermore ozone is effective in chemically reactingwith contaminants such as iron, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, nitrites, andcomplex organics and may also cause some contaminant molecules toagglomerate, thus facilitating filtration. Advantageously, ozonetreatment of water does not leave chemical traces in the water (e.g.chlorination), since the ozone dissociates into oxygen over time.However, due to this dissociation over time, a steady state productionof ozone is usually desirable for adequate treatment of water.

The second outlet 148 of the PEM cell 18 is in communication with there-humidifier 116. Turning back to FIG. 3, the re-humidifier 116 isshown in greater detail in side cross-sectional view. Referring to FIG.3A the re-humidifier 116 includes a liquid reservoir 200. The liquidreservoir 200 includes an inlet 202, which is in communication with thePEM cell 18 (shown in FIG. 2) for receiving discharge liquid from thePEM cell. The discharge liquid is acidic due to the presence of thehydronium ions, and also includes dissolved hydrogen. The dischargeliquid is generally too acidic to be re-combined with the potabletreated condensate, and typically requires some form of neutralization.

To accomplish neutralization, the de-humidifier 62 includes are-humidifier 116 that has a spillway 204 and a fiber wick 206. Thefiber wick hangs downwardly from an edge 208 of the spillway 204, and isfabricated from an acid resistant material such as acid resistantpolymer. As best shown in top view in FIG. 3B, the liquid reservoir 200includes an air stream aperture 210, which facilitates air flow (in thedirection shown by arrows 207) from the de-humidification chamber 74through the fiber wick 206.

The re-humidifier 116 operates by receiving the discharge liquid fromthe PEM cell 18 which causes a level of the liquid in the liquidreservoir 200 to rise to a level 214, whereupon the liquid flows overthe spillway 204 to the fiber wick 206, in the direction indicated byarrows 212. The discharge liquid wets the fiber wick 206, and theairflow 207 causes the liquid to evaporate from the wick 206 into theair stream 209, which is exhausted through the air outlet (76 in FIG.2). The evaporated hydronium ions quickly dissociate into water andoxygen ions, and the oxygen ions form diatomic oxygen molecules, therebyrendering the hydronium ions benign. The hydrogen is vented into theatmosphere through the outlet 76, and in low concentrations presentslittle or no hazard.

Referring to FIG. 2, advantageously, the hydronium ions are extremelyreactive and are effective in further preventing biologicalcontamination in the area of the air outlet 76. The evaporated wateralso partially re-humidifies the air stream before being dischargedthrough the outlet 76.

The second reservoir 68 also includes an ozone inlet 152, which is incommunication with the first outlet 20 of the PEM cell 18 for receivingtreated condensate including entrained ozone and oxygen. The secondreservoir 68 also includes an outlet 154 which is located at a highpoint of the second reservoir and which is in communication with anozone inlet 156, on the first reservoir 64, for communicating gaseousozone from the second reservoir 68 to the first reservoir 64.

The first reservoir 64 includes an outlet 160 located at a high point inthe first reservoir. The outlet 160 is in communication with the ozonevent 124 for introducing ozone into the air stream 10 upstream from thecondensing element 14. In the embodiment shown the apparatus 60 includesa filter 162. The filter 162 functions to prevent contamination of thefirst reservoir 64, in the event of a positive pressure differentialoccurring between the de-humidification chamber 74 and the firstreservoir 64, which could force air into the reservoir.

The first reservoir 64 may further include a first float switch 166 forgenerating a signal when a level of the condensate in the firstreservoir reaches a pre-determined level. The second reservoir 68 alsomay include a second float switch 168 for generating a signal when thecondensate level in the second reservoir reaches a pre-determined level.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in one embodiment the apparatus 60 furtherincludes a controller 220. The controller 220 monitors and adjustsvarious processes of the apparatus 60. The controller 220 includes afirst input 222 for receiving a signal representing a concentration ofozone from the ozone sensor 114. The controller 220 also includes asecond input 224 for receiving the signal from the first float switch166, and an input 226 for receiving the signal from the second floatswitch 168. The controller 220 further includes an input 227 forreceiving a temperature signal from the inlet air temperature sensor 71.

The controller 220 also includes an output 228 for producing a signalfor controlling an excitation current to the PEM cell 18. The controller220 further includes an output 230 for producing a signal forcontrolling the pump 121, an output 232 for producing a signal forcontrolling the heat pump 100, and an output 234 for producing a signalfor controlling the operation of the fan 110. The controller 220 mayinclude further outputs for activating and de-activating the highvoltage supply 123, which drives the ionization electrode 120, and/orthe electrostatic precipitator filter 96.

For a complete understanding of the present invention, the operation ofthe apparatus 60 is described with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG.4. Referring to FIG. 2, the fan 110 operates to draw the air stream 10through the filtration section 72 and the dehumidification chamber 74,and to discharge the air stream 78 through the air outlet 76. Theincoming air stream 10 is received at the air inlet 70 and passesthrough the filtration section 72 into the de-humidifier chamber 74. Thefiltration section 72 removes most particulate matter, mould, spores,dust, mites, smoke particles, and volatile organic compounds from theincoming air stream 10.

The ozone vent 124 introduces ozone into the dehumidification chamber 74ahead of the condensing element 14. The ozone is effective in killingbiological contaminants, which are not removed by the filtration section72. The ozone also prevents growth of biological contaminants in thecondensing element 14, the condenser coils 104, and the dehumidificationchamber 74.

Since ozone, above a certain concentration, is considered to be harmfulto humans, in one embodiment the ozone concentration may be monitoredand controlled by monitoring the signal produced by the ozone sensor114. Referring to FIG. 5 the ozone concentration signal is received fromthe ozone sensor 114 at the input 222 of the controller 220. Thecontroller produces the PEM cell control signal at the output 228 inresponse to the ozone concentration. When the ozone concentration in theoutlet discharge air stream 78 increases above a threshold level, thecontroller reduces the drive current to the PEM cell, thus reducing thegeneration of ozone at the PEM cell. In this manner, the concentrationof ozone vented into the atmosphere though the air outlet 76 may belimited to a safe level.

When the heat pump 100 is activated by the controller 220 the condensingelement 14 is cooled to a temperature at or below the dew point of theincoming air stream 10, as indicated by the temperature sensor 71. Watervapor in the air stream 10 condenses onto the condensing element 14, anddrips into the collector 63. The collector 63 directs the water vaporcondensate into the first reservoir 64 and the condensate accumulates inthe first reservoir until the level of the water activates the firstfloat switch 166. The controller 220 (shown in FIG. 5) receives thesignal from the first float switch 166 at the inlet 224 and produces anactivation signal at the output 230 to activate the pump 121 and causecondensate to be pumped from the first reservoir 64 through thecondensate conditioner 66, and into the second reservoir 68.

The condensate conditioner 66 filters the condensate to remove variouscontaminants as described above, and also may re-mineralize thecondensate to improve the taste of the water supplied by the apparatus60.

The condensate is accumulated in the second reservoir 68 until the levelof the condensate in the reservoir activates the second float switch 168such that the controller 220 (shown in FIG. 5) receives a signal at theinput 226 indicating that the condensate level in the second reservoirhas reached the level of the second float switch 168. In response thecontroller produces a signal at the output 234 to deactivate the fan anda signal at the output 232 to deactivate the heat pump, thusdiscontinuing generation of condensate while the second reservoir isfull. The controller may further produce output signals at the outputs236 and 238 to de-activate the HV ionization supply 123, and theelectrostatic precipitator filter 96 respectively. The controller 220 isfurther configured to produce signals at the outputs 232 and 234 toactivate the heat pump 100 and fan 110 when the condensate level in thesecond reservoir 68 falls sufficiently to de-activate the second floatswitch 168.

The heater/cooler element 36 cools and/or heats the collectedcondensate, which may be dispensed as treated potable drinking waterthrough the spigot 34.

A portion of the condensate in the first reservoir 64 is divertedthrough the second outlet 140 to the first and second inlets 142 and 146of the PEM cell 18. As described previously the PEM cell 18 generateswater, oxygen and ozone at the first outlet 20. The water, oxygen andozone are received at the ozone inlet 152 in the second container 68 andbubbles through the second container causing the condensate tore-circulate while simultaneously being treated by the ozone. The ozonein the second reservoir 68 treats the condensate accumulated thereinpreventing biological growth, and contamination of the condensate in thesecond reservoir. Advantageously the oxygen entrained in the condensateat the first outlet 20 of the PEM cell 18 oxygenates the condensate inthe second reservoir 68, which further enhances the taste of the watergenerated by the apparatus 60.

A portion of the ozone in the second reservoir 68 diffuses as gaseousozone from a surface 69 of the condensate accumulated in the secondreservoir, and is communicated through the outlet 154 to the ozone inlet156 of the first reservoir 64.

The gaseous ozone received at the first reservoir 64 from the secondreservoir mixes and becomes entrained in the condensate accumulated inthe first reservoir 64, thus treating the condensate in the firstreservoir. A portion of the ozone also diffuses from the surface 65 ofthe condensate in the first reservoir 64 and is communicated through theoutlet 160, through the filter 162, to the ozone vent 124.

The re-humidifier 116 receives the discharge liquid from the secondoutlet 148 of the PEM cell 18, and causes the hydronium ions in thewater to be evaporated and dissociated as described above.

In one embodiment where the apparatus 60 includes the ionizationelectrode 120 and high voltage power supply 123, electrons are generatedat the electrode and introduced into the air stream ahead of thecondensing element 14. The electrons are operable to generate anions ofoxygen in the air stream and at least a portion of the anions dissolveinto the water vapor condensate which collects on the condensing element14. It is believed that the oxygen anions are effective in enhancingoxygen retention in the water, thus producing a potable water productwhich has a high proportion of entrained oxygen.

Referring to FIG. 6, an apparatus 340 for generating water from anambient air stream 10 in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention is shown. The apparatus 340 includes severalelements in common with the apparatus 60 shown in FIG. 2, andaccordingly similar elements are numbered using similar referencenumerals as in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 6, the apparatus 340 includes a de-humidifier 342, anda reservoir 344 and the collector 63, the condensate conditioner 66, andthe PEM cell 18 shown in FIG. 2.

In the embodiment depicted, the de-humidifier 342 includes a humidifierelement 346, which is located ahead of the air inlet 70. The humidifierelement 346 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7,the humidifier element 346 includes a housing 380, which includes awater reservoir 382 at a lower portion thereof. The humidifier element346 further includes a water inlet 384 which is in communication withthe reservoir 382 for receiving untreated (and possibly contaminated)water. The humidifier element 346 further includes a plurality ofpolyfiber panels 386, which are suspended from a top portion 388 of thehousing 380. A lower end 390 of each of the polyfiber panels 386 is atleast partially immersed in the water accumulated in the reservoir 382.The humidifier element 346 further includes an airflow aperture 392 forreceiving the air stream 10.

The humidifier element 346 generally operates by receiving, at the inlet384, water which has not been treated, and pre-humidifies the incomingair stream 10 to enhance the water vapor content thereof. For example,the water may be from a ground water supply, a river, a stream, or anyother untreated source of water.

The untreated water is accumulated in the reservoir 382 and sediment andother heavier particulate matter is permitted to settle in thereservoir. This matter may be removed from the reservoir through thedrain 383. The water in the reservoir 382 wicks up and along thepolyfiber panels 386 by capillary attraction, and is evaporated into theair stream 10 flowing between the polyfiber panels. The air stream 394leaving the humidifier element 346 generally has enhanced water vaporcontent due to the additional water vapor evaporated from the polyfiberpanels 386.

Advantageously the humidifier element 346 facilitates use of theapparatus 340 in environments where the air stream 10 has relatively lowwater vapor content.

Referring back to FIG. 6, in this embodiment the de-humidifier 342further includes an ozonator/ionizer 348. The ozonator/ionizer 348 isshown in greater detail in FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 8A theozonator/ionizer 348 includes a plurality of electrode members 420, eachelectrode member including a conductive electrode 424, which issurrounded by a glass enclosure 422. Alternating, electrode members 420are connected to a ground terminal 426 and a high voltage excitationsignal terminal 428 respectively. The excitation is provided by a highvoltage signal generator (not shown) which is configured to produce awaveform 440 as shown in FIG. 8B.

Referring to FIG. 8B the waveform 440 generally has the form of asaw-tooth function and includes a rising edge 442 and a falling edge444. The rising edge 442 includes a first portion 446, includingvoltages up to about 10 kV. The rising edge 442 of the waveform 440further includes a second portion 448, including voltages from about 10kV up to about 12 kV. In one embodiment, the frequency of the saw-toothwaveform may be between 1 kHz and 7 kHz.

When the voltage is below about 10 kV, the ozonator/ionizer 348 producesa low concentration of ozone and a high concentration of free electrons.As the voltage increases above about 10 kV a corona discharge begins toform between the electrode members 420, and the ozonator/ionizer 348produces a higher concentration of ozone and a lower concentration offree electrons. At a voltage of approximately 12 kV the ozonator/ionizerproduces predominantly ozone, and the corona discharge may begin to arcacross the electrode member 420, thus short circuiting the high voltagesignal generator whereupon the voltage returns to 0V along the fallingedge 444.

The glass enclosure 422 surrounding each electrode prevents corrosion ofthe conductive electrodes 424 and also provides an easily cleanablesurface. Referring back to FIG. 6, the ozonator/ionizer 348 enhances theproduction of ozone in the de-humidifier 342, which supplements theintroduction of ozone introduced through the ozone vent 124. Theozonator/ionizer 348 generates both free electrons and ozone, and may beused in co-operation with, or instead of the ozone vent 124 and/or theionization electrode 120 (shown in FIG. 2).

Still referring to FIG. 6, in this embodiment the first and secondinlets 142 and 146 of the PEM cell 18 are directly in communication withthe condensate conditioner 66. The first and second inlets 142 and 146of the PEM cell 18 are located at a sufficient vertical distanceindicated by the arrow 350 from the collector 63, such that theapparatus 340 is capable of operating by gravity feed alone. In oneembodiment the vertical distance 350 is about 30 inches. The firstoutlet 20 of the PEM cell 18 is in communication with the ozone inlet152 of the reservoir 344. The outlet 154 of the reservoir 344 iscommunication with the ozone vent 124 via the filter 162.

The operation of the apparatus 340 is described with reference to FIG.6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8. The air stream 10 is received at the humidifier346, which humidifies the air stream 10, prior to passing through thefiltration elements 72. The ozonator/ionizer 348 generates freeelectrons and ozone in the air stream 10 with the additional ozonegeneration supplementing the ozone introduced through the ozone vent124. The water vapor in the air stream condenses on the condensingelement 14, and is collected by the collector 63. The collector 63directs the condensate through the condensate conditioner 66, whichperforms the same functions as described above in reference to FIG. 2.

In this embodiment, all of the condensate collected by the collector 63is passed through the condensate conditioner 66 and through the PEM cell18. Furthermore in this embodiment the flow is achieved throughgravitational forces alone, thus eliminating the need for a pump andassociated controller.

Ozone and oxygen are generated in the condensate at the first outlet 20of the PEM cell 18, and communicated to the ozone inlet 152 in thereservoir 344, thus treating the condensate accumulated in thereservoir. A portion of the ozone in the condensate accumulated in thereservoir 344 diffuses to the surface 345 and collects above thesurface, where it is communicated through the outlet 154, through thefilter 162, and to the ozone vent 124, where it treats the air streamand inhibits growth of biological contaminants in the de-humidifier 342.

Referring lastly to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of the humidifierelement 480 is depicted. The humidifier element 480 includes a firstwater container 482 and a second water container 484. The secondcontainer 484 is located above the first container 482.

The first container 482 includes an inlet 486 for receiving untreatedwater, from for example a municipal water supply or a ground watersupply. The inlet 486 includes a valve 488 for controlling the supply ofwater to the first container, and further includes a float switch, whichis in communication with the valve 488 for controlling the supply ofwater to the first container. The first container 482 further includes apump 494, which is in communication with an outlet tube 496.

The second container 484 includes an inlet 492, which is incommunication with the outlet tube 496 for receiving water from thefirst container. In the embodiment shown, the pump 494 includes a floatswitch (not shown) for activating the pump when the water in the firstcontainer is at a sufficient level to feed the pump.

The second container 484 further includes a plurality of outlets 498 forgenerating a plurality of water streams 500 between the second containerand the first container 482. The humidifier 480 is located in a ductsection 502 (only a portion shown), which is configured to receive theair stream 10 and direct the air stream through the plurality of streams500.

In operation, the humidifier 480 receives water at the inlet 486 and thesecond container 484 is filled until a water level 504 activates thefloat switch 490, thus causing the valve 488 to interrupt the flow ofwater. The float switch activated pump 494 operates whenever there issufficient water in the first container 482, and causes water to bepumped from the first container, through the outlet tube 496, and intothe second container 484 through the inlet 492.

The water pumped into the second container 484 flows downwardly throughthe plurality of outlets 498, forming the plurality of streams 500 whichreturn to the first container 482. The air stream 10 flows through theplurality of streams 500, as water in the streams is evaporated, thushumidifying the air stream 10.

Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention described aboveprovide for the generation of ozone from the condensate, which issubsequently entrained in the condensate and operable to treat thecondensate, thus prevention biological contamination thereof. Diffusedozone gas, collected from the treated condensate, is re-used to treatthe air stream components, thus preventing biological contaminationthereof. The use of a PEM cell facilitates production of sufficientquantities of ozone and provides oxygen for oxygenating the condensate.If desired, additional ozone may be generated in the air stream, alongwith the generation of ionizing electrons as described above.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described andillustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of theinvention only and not as limiting the invention as construed inaccordance with the accompanying claims.

It is therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordancewith the various objects of the present invention, an apparatus forgenerating water from an ambient air stream. While the various objectsof this invention have been described in conjunction with preferredembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof this specification and the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for generating water from an air stream, the apparatuscomprising: An inlet for receiving an air stream; a condensing elementlocated in the air stream, the condensing element capable of reaching atemperature that is less than or equal to a dew point temperature of theair stream; a collector for gathering water vapor condensate that isformed on the condensing element; an ozone generator that uses a portionof the water vapor condensate to generate ozone; and a first reservoirfor mixing the generated ozone with the water vapor condensate.
 2. Theapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the ozone generator is a fuelcell.
 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the fuel cell is apolymer electrolyte membrane.
 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1,further comprising a connection between the ozone generator and theinlet for receiving an air stream.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim1, further comprising a second reservoir for storing water vaporcondensate, the second reservoir operatively coupled to the collector.6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, further comprising a connectionbetween the first reservoir containing ozone enhanced water vaporcondensate and the second reservoir containing water vapor condensate.7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the connection ismodulated by a controller that dynamically adjusts the ratio of ozoneenhanced water vapor condensate from the first reservoir to the watervapor condensate from the second reservoir.
 8. The apparatus as recitedin claim 1, further comprising a re-mineralization device for addingminerals to the water vapor condensate.
 9. An apparatus for generatingwater from an air stream, the apparatus comprising: An inlet forreceiving an air stream; a condensing element located in the air stream,the condensing element capable of reaching a temperature that is lessthan or equal to a dew point temperature of the air stream; a collectorfor gathering water vapor condensate that is formed on the condensingelement; an ozone generator that uses a portion of the air stream togenerate ozone; and a first reservoir for mixing the generated ozonewith the water vapor condensate.
 10. The apparatus as recited in claim9, wherein the ozone generator is a high voltage discharge device. 11.The apparatus as recited in claim 9, further comprising a connectionbetween the ozone generator and the inlet for receiving an air stream.12. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, further comprising a secondreservoir for storing water vapor condensate, the second reservoiroperatively coupled to the collector.
 13. The apparatus as recited inclaim 12, further comprising a connection between the first reservoircontaining ozone enhanced water vapor condensate and the secondreservoir containing water vapor condensate.
 14. The apparatus asrecited in claim 13, wherein the connection is modulated by a controllerthat dynamically adjusts the ratio of ozone enhanced water vaporcondensate from the first reservoir to the water vapor condensate fromthe second reservoir.
 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, furthercomprising a re-mineralization device for adding minerals to the watervapor condensate.
 16. A method for generating water from an air stream,the method comprising: cooling a condensing element to a temperaturethat is below the dew point of an air stream; receiving the air streamat the condensing element; collecting vapor condensate from thecondensing element; directing a portion of the water vapor condensatethrough a ozone generator for generating ozone; and mixing the ozonewith the water vapor condensate to produce disinfected water.
 17. Themethod as recited in claim 16, wherein the ozone generator is a polymerelectrolyte membrane.
 18. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein theozone generator is a high voltage discharge device.
 19. The method asrecited in claim 16, further including the step of adding minerals tothe disinfected drinking water.
 20. The method as recited in claim 16,further including the step of directing a portion of the generated ozoneinto the air stream.